The Dutch Burgher Union
114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
Telephone Nos: 2584511, 5331661
Newsletter – May 2006
President’s Message
(An extract from JDBU Vol.XVI-Part 2)
THE STRENGTH OF UNITY
The motto Eendracht maakt Macht – Union gives strength – which the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon took for its own nearly twenty years ago was no new phrase coined for the occasion, It was the well-known watchword of the United Netherlands East India Company (VOC) founded in 1602, and was the guiding principle of those adventurous, intrepid spirits who went out in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to settle in distant lands, carrying with them their Dutch institutions, Dutch customs, and Dutch laws: to whom we owe our existence here as a community today.”
Dear Member,
The DBU to all of us should be a base for its family, who are the members. Today, more than ever before, we should endeavour to be there for each other. So let us go forth hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder in keeping with our motto – Eendracht maakt Macht – Union gives strength.
A touch of Thailand, our get-together in April, was a tremendous success. We had 65 members and guests, some of whom came in Thai costume in keeping with our theme. The best dressed “Thai” ladies were all at Mr Mervyn Andriesz’ table and the judges found it difficult to pick the winner. However, we finally decided on Sutami Ratnavale. Congratulations Sutami!
It was Bingo all the way and many of the members and guests won prizes. Members and guests put on their “thinking caps” to decipher and answer two clever and unique quizzes. Both games were won by the same table – Carol Prins and Tammy Flamer-Caldera. Well done Carol and Tammy. My thanks also go to Beverly LaBrooy for helping with the evening’s activities.
This was a good start for our future plans for entertainment. And we hope we will have many more joining us in the entertainment for each month.
Kem Martenstyn
ENTERTAINMENT
We now fly from Thailand to Mumbai!
for Bombay Mere Hai on Saturday, 20th May 2006 commencing at 8.00 p.m.
India is our immediate neighbour with whom we share many historical and cultural ties.
Though at first glance Indian Cuisine may look similar to our own, there is a rich I diversity but yet distinctive delicious dishes that we can choose from. We have selected a few of the better known items which we hope you will enjoy.
MENU
Masala Dosai, Onion Dosai, Paper Dosai, Poorie, hot, hot Vadai, Sambhar, Red and green Chutney, Potato Baji and Chicken Masala.
Dessert – Jelabbies
All this for only Rs 400/= each (including guests)
An exciting programme has been planned by our Entertainment Chairperson with lots of fun and games for all.
“Outburst” will provide the music for dancing.
A prize each for the best dressed “Indian” lady and gentleman!
Don’t miss out on an enjoyable evening.
Bookings close on I7th May 2006
See you on the 20th at 8.00 p.m.
PIANO MUSIC BY DARLAN
Darlan will be tinkling the ivory keys on Friday, 5th May 2006 from 8.00 p.m. till mid-night. Do come along relax and join in the singing and enjoy the ambience of the upstairs Bar and Lounge area.
We warmly welcome the following members who joined in March and April 2006
Members: M/s Howard Martenstyn & A.D.R. Holsinger
Members by Invitation: M/s J.R. Crusz, Anil Cooke, Randolph Hingert, Brian Forbes
Associate Members: M/s R.A. Chandiram, Ajit de Fonseka, Ms Nayantara Fonseka, Ms Pat Mamelka, Mrs Yvonne Outschoorn, Ms Pamela Pieris, Mrs Shirani Amaratunga
Overseas Associate Member: Mr Peter Thomasz
CONGRATULATIONS TO H.E. PROF. DAVID DE KRETSER
27th Governor of Victoria, Australia
The President, General Committee and Members of The Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon warmly congratulate H.E. Prof. David de Kretser on his appointment as the 27th Governor of Victoria, Australia. We also extend our good wishes to his wife, Jan.
We are proud and happy that a Sri Lankan has been appointed to the highest political position in the State of Victoria and we hope that, one clay he will be able to visit Sri Lanka and the DBU of which he is now an Honorary Life member.
We congratulate Mrs Anthea Muller, Chairperson of our Welfare sub-committee on her receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Eighty Club Melbourne as a tribute to one who gives so much of her time and energy to help those less fortunate folk of our community in Sri Lanka.
SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMME
The Welfare Beneficiaries sponsored by the Eighty Club of Melbourne were paid their 2nd quarter allowance on the 25th of April together with a special mid-yearly bonus. I am happy to report that we now have 180 WBs being sponsored under this Scheme.
The ECOM sponsored children were also paid their 2nd quarter allowance on the 27th of April. Interviews were held to make assessments of their progress in school.
It is proposed to conduct a Medical Clinic shortly with a Doctor in attendance and hand out vitamins to the Elders.
Anthea Muller
Chairperson Social Welfare
We wish the following members, whose birthdays are in May, God’s richest blessings now and in the years to come-
Mrs Carmen Melder, Ms Caryll Sela, Messrs. Peter Deckker, Dirk Flamer-Caldera and Royden Gibbs
We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mrs Anne Loos who passed away recently.
Burgher delicacies will continue to be available at the DBU every Saturday and Sunday – Freshly baked Breudhers, home made ginger beer, Beef Smore, Foguetti and more.
Also fresh Lamprais (Chicken and mixed meat) will be available daily from 11 a.m. Book early.
DBU Caps, Car Park Stickers and DBU Mugs
For the information of Members and Associates who joined recently, DBU Caps (Rs.200/=), Car stickers (Rs. 100/=) and DBU Mugs (Rs.300/=) are available for sale. Please inquire at the office or bar.